NSA Antiferromagnetic Spintronics for High-Performance Computing
This NSA-funded research explores using antiferromagnets in high-performance computing by manipulating & detecting their orientation for faster, denser, & more resilient memory and logic devices.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
NRC Research Associateship Programs has archived this opportunity.
Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: May 1, 2025 (Application Deadline)
Funding Amounts: $86,335 stipend plus $3,000 travel allowance; relocation and health insurance benefits available. Typical award duration 2-3 years.
Summary: Postdoctoral and senior research fellowship at NSA/Laboratory for Physical Sciences to study electrical switching and device applications of antiferromagnetic and compensated ferrimagnetic materials for high-performance computing.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and non-U.S. citizens; requires contacting research adviser prior to applying; strong emphasis on cleanroom device fabrication, magnetotransport, magnetometry, and optical measurements.
Description
This fellowship opportunity, funded by the National Security Agency (NSA) and administered through the NRC Research Associateship Programs, supports postdoctoral and senior researchers to conduct advanced research on antiferromagnetic spintronics aimed at next-generation high-performance computing devices. Antiferromagnets offer advantages over conventional ferromagnets, including higher operational speeds, increased device density, and improved resilience to external magnetic fields. However, their zero net magnetic moment makes manipulation and detection challenging.
The research focuses on understanding electrical switching mechanisms in zero-moment magnetic materials such as antiferromagnets and compensated ferrimagnets, leveraging spin-orbit torque (SOT) and spin-transfer torque (STT) switching concepts. Topological materials with efficient spin-to-charge conversion are explored as control elements for these magnetic materials.
The Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS) at NSA provides a state-of-the-art research environment, including a cleanroom for device fabrication, a full-service machine shop, advanced microscopy and imaging tools, multiple magnetic field platforms with variable temperature cryostats (250 mK to 500 K), and optical property measurement systems. Research is conducted in close collaboration with academia, other government labs, and industry partners.
Candidates with expertise in cleanroom-based device fabrication, magnetotransport measurements, magnetometry, and optical characterization of magnetic and topological materials are encouraged to apply.
